Mia Zhang
Ever wake up feeling like a grumpy old troll and wonder, “How can I make my day better?”
It’s a valid question. After all, happiness isn’t just a state of mind; it’s a lifestyle choice.
Here’s the scoop.
You might not realize this, but how you start your day greatly influences your overall mood and satisfaction in life. Trust me on this one, I’m not just blowing hot air. There are actual scientific studies to back this up.
So, you might be asking, “What should I do in the first two hours of the day to be happier?”
Stay tuned.
I’m about to share seven essential actions you can take in the first part of your day that could drastically improve your happiness quotient.
These tips aren’t about becoming an ultra-productive robot; it’s about setting up your day (and life) to maximize happiness.
1) Start your day with gratitude
Ever heard of the saying “Gratitude is the best attitude”? It’s more than just a feel-good quote; it’s a game-changer for your overall well-being.
Let me tell you a secret.
Starting your day with a sense of thankfulness can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Whether it’s appreciating the warm sun on your face, the comfort of your bed, or the aroma of your morning coffee – find something to be grateful for.
Here’s why it works.
Gratitude helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack. This shift in perspective can lead to an increased sense of contentment and happiness.
So, before you dive into the hustle and bustle of your day, take a moment to count your blessings.
2) Get moving
First off, I’m not talking about running a marathon or hitting the gym for a grueling workout session. What I mean is a simple form of physical activity to get the blood pumping.
Let me share a little story with you.
I’ve never been much of an “exercise person.” The thought of waking up early to run or go to the gym was just not appealing at all.
But one day, I decided to give it a try. I started with just ten minutes of light yoga right after waking up.
Here’s what happened.
Those ten minutes transformed into the most precious part of my morning routine. They helped me shake off sleepiness, made me feel more energized, and put me in a better mood to tackle the day’s challenges.
This might seem like small potatoes, but trust me, getting your body moving in the morning can have a significant impact on your happiness levels for the rest of the day.
Give it a try – even if it’s just stretching or dancing to your favorite song in your pajamas!
3) Silence is golden
You might find this hard to believe, especially if you’re a fan of morning news or energetic breakfast shows. But hear me out.
Life is noisy. Meetings, calls, social media, television – our days are filled with an overwhelming amount of noise and distractions. Sometimes, it feels like we’re expected to be constantly “on.”
You know what I started doing?
I began carving out a few quiet moments for myself in the early hours of the day.
No TV, no phone, no laptop – just me and my coffee, soaking in the calm before the storm.
And guess what?
This tiny shift had a powerful impact on my happiness levels. It gave me a chance to:
- Clear my mind
- Reflect on my goals for the day
- Enjoy a moment of peace before getting caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and responsibilities
So, before you reach for that remote or start scrolling through your emails first thing in the morning, try embracing some quiet time.
4) Feed your brain
You’ve probably heard the saying “You are what you eat.” But did you know this also applies to your mind?
Think about it.
Just like your body needs healthy nutrients to function correctly, your brain needs intellectual stimulation to stay sharp and happy. And the morning is a perfect time to feed your brain.
Here’s what I propose.
Start your day with something that stimulates your mind – it could be:
- Reading a chapter of a book
- Solving a crossword puzzle
- Learning a new language.
The goal is not to become a genius overnight but to wake up your brain and get it ready for the day ahead.
I started doing this and found that it not only made me feel more alert but also happier and more satisfied with my day.
5) Hydrate before you caffeinate
We all love that first cup of coffee in the morning, right?
It’s like a warm hug that jump-starts our day.
But there’s something else your body might be craving even more when you wake up: water.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
Your body loses water while you sleep through breathing and sweating (yes, even if your room is cold). By the time you wake up, your body is often mildly dehydrated.
Here’s the kicker.
Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy levels, and ability to think clearly. So, before you reach for that coffee mug, drink a glass of water first.
I started doing this and noticed a significant improvement in my mornings. I felt more alert, energized, and overall happier.
So, remember: hydrate before you caffeinate. It’s a small change to your morning routine that could make a significant difference in your happiness levels.
6) Practice self-compassion
Picture this: You wake up, look in the mirror, and the first thing you tell yourself is something negative. “I look awful,” “I’m so behind on my work,” “I can’t believe I ate that last night.”
Sound familiar?
We often don’t realize how harsh we can be on ourselves, especially in the morning when we’re setting the tone for the day.
Here’s what I suggest.
Start your day by telling yourself something positive. It could be as simple as “I’m going to do my best today,” or “I’m thankful for who I am.”
When I started practicing self-compassion in the mornings, I noticed a significant shift in my overall happiness. Being kind to myself made me feel more positive and set a hopeful tone for the rest of my day.
So, give yourself a break. Speak to yourself as you would speak to a dear friend, with kindness and understanding. You might be surprised at how this small change can affect your overall happiness.
7) Plan your day
Without a plan, your day can quickly become chaotic and stressful, and that’s not conducive to happiness.
Planning your day in advance allows you to prioritize your tasks and use your time more effectively.
You might be thinking, “But I’m not a planner.”
That’s okay. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan. Just a simple to-do list or a few key goals for the day can make a significant difference.
I started doing this and found that it helped me feel more organized and less stressed. It gave me a sense of control over my day and boosted my overall happiness.
So, take a few minutes each morning to map out your day. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Final thoughts
So, there you have it. Seven simple things you can do in the first two hours of your day to boost your happiness. But remember, it’s not just about ticking off items on a checklist.
True happiness comes from within and it’s deeply personal. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. The key is to find what resonates with you.
Start by introducing one or two of these habits into your morning routine. Pay attention to how they make you feel. Do you feel more energized? More focused? More content?
The goal here isn’t to overhaul your life overnight. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that can have a big impact on your overall happiness.
